Jessica Chastain boards comic book movie Painkiller Jane

Jessica Chastain is at last taking on a comic book role – but it might not be one that all readers are immediately familiar with.

Deadline report that the Oscar-nominated star of ‘The Help’ and ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is set to take the lead in ‘Painkiller Jane,’ which she will also produce.

Robert Vaughn dies at 83
Fantastic Beasts: Rowling defends Depp casting
Are Thor and Howard the Duck the same film?

Created by comic legends Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Quesada, ‘Painkiller Jane’ is a mature readers title which centres on NYPD officer Jane Vasko, who is almost killed whilst working undercover with the mob.

The experience somehow leaves her with superhuman regenerative powers (a la Wolverine/Deadpool), which Jane goes on to use as a vigilante crimefighter.

Though Palmiotti and Quesada are most closely associated with Marvel, ‘Painkiller Jane’ was initially published as a mini-series for Event Comics in 1995. The character now appears in comics published by Dynamite.

‘Painkiller Jane’ has already appeared onscreen in a 2005 TV movie in which Emmanuelle Vaugier played the lead; later, ‘Terminator 3’ actress Kristanna Loken took the role in a short-lived series on SyFy (still named the Sci-Fi Channel at the time).

In 2014, Jen and Sylvia Soska, makers of 2012 cult hit ‘American Mary,’ were announced as the directors of a big screen take on ‘Painkiller Jane.’ However, today’s reports on the film make no mention of the Soska Sisters, nor have the directors themselves commented on whether or not they remain attached.

Chastain famously came close to taking on a comic book movie role in ‘Iron Man 3,’ before dropping out due to scheduling issues. She was also rumoured to be a contender for ‘Captain Marvel,’ before Brie Larson was cast.

Chastain will produce ‘Painkiller Jane’ alongside Stephen L’Heureux, whilst creator Palmiotti will be among the executive producers.

Picture Credit: WENN, Dynamite Publishing